Kevin Callan's Best Trip Ever

Real wilderness. Real beauty. Real magic.

I paddled Woodland Caribou Provincial Park this season with my canoemate Andy Baxter and Bill and Anne Ostrom, owners of Ostrom Packs. It was an amazing trip—one of the best I’ve ever had—and nothing at all what I thought it would be.

I’ve always thought Woodland Caribou would have a similar landscape to the neighbouring Wabakimi Provincial Park. Both are situated in northwestern Ontario and part of the extensive line of boreal forest that runs along the top of Ontario. However, Woodland Caribou is also part of what’s called Prairie Boreal and is all together different; it’s definitely not comparable to Wabakimi. The park is unique all to its own.

Viking Outpost and Airways flew us out, organized through Harlan Schwartz of Red Lake Outfitters.

We landed on Artery Lake in the far northwest corner of the park and spent 12 days paddling across to the southeast corner to be shuttled out by Red Lake Outfitters.

You don’t have to fly in by bushplane, but this is definitely a northern experience that should be had by all paddlers. To be dropped off on a remote lake, with your gear tossed off the plane and only a quick goodbye—and good luck—given by the pilot before they take off and leave you vulnerable to the elements is an unnerving, yet exciting and uplifting experience.

Viking-Outpost-Airways-Portal-
Viking Outpost Airways flew us and our canoe into the Park

Minutes into the flight I was bewitched with Woodland Caribou. Prior to the trip I predicted everything below the pontoons of our plane would resemble some kind of shag carpet decorating a 1970s bungalow. Instead, it was an ecological masterpiece, appearing like a rich tapestry made up of old-growth conifer forest, interspersed with a scattering of birch and poplar, and prominent elongated bands of exposed bedrock jutting out between a labyrinth of lakes, creeks and rivers.

Woodland-Caribou-Prov-Park-landscape
The unique landscape in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

I couldn’t wait for the plane to land so I could start my canoe journey there.

About Kevin Callan

Kevin Callan is the author of fifteen books, including the bestselling The Happy Camper, and a popular series of paddling guides. He has been a key speaker at all the major outdoor events for over 25 years. Callan is also a frequent guest on radio and television and a regular contributor to Explore and CanoeRoots Magazine. He is a winner of several National Magazine Awards and film awards and was listed as one of the top 100 modern-day explorers by the Canadian Geographical Society. He was also made Patron Paddler for Paddle Canada.

Recommended Articles

What is this animal?

Hint: It's not a reindeer.

Need an escape?

Go to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park

Tom Thomson Legacy

Special exhibit at the Algonquin Art Centre

Meet British Celebrity ray mears

At the Temagami Canoe Festival July 2016

SKILLs Video

How to rescue a runaway kayak in whitewater.

Video: Paddle fast, easy & efficiently

Get tips from Ontario Sea Kayak Centre

Hidden gems for family camping

Restoule & Mikisew Provincial Parks

A journey of discovery

In the footsteps of The Group of Seven

Could you do this?

Watch this video

Want to see the northern lights?

Come to Gordon's Park Dark Sky Reserve

Looking to escape?

Detox from technology in Ontario Parks.

Destination Dupes

Avoid the crowds at these hidden gems.

Fat biking hotspots

OWN winter with these 10 Ontario Trails

Discover Ontario’s Least Busy Parks

12 incredible off-the-radar destinations.

March Break

Everything you need to know

Take Advantage of the Staycation Tax Credit

15 incredible accommodations that will save you money.

Love Wildlife?

Must see parks and attractions for animal-lovers.

Wilderness by day, Pampered at night

A perfect way to experience Algonquin.

Cross Country Skiing In Ontario This Winter

Your COVID-19 safety plan.

Paddling the painted landscape

A Group of Seven wilderness adventure